Karl R. PopperKarl R. Popper, (1902-1994) Austrian-British philosopher, professor

Karl R. Popper Quote

“Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant… then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them. […] We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to tolerate the intolerant.”

Karl R. PopperKarl R. Popper
~ Karl R. Popper

The Open Society and Its Enemies, vol. 1 (London: Routledge, 1945), 217 (note 4).

Ratings and Comments


E Archer, NYC

;-) I know, right?!

Barry, Petaluma

This sounds good, but it has turned out to be very dangerous. Every intolerant person confronted with something they disagree with has learned to declare the other person intolerant. Thus discourse is silenced, diversity of opinion is silenced, and tolerance is destroyed. Just as Popper predicted, but not the way he anticipated.

Mike, Norwalk

The focused key word here is “unlimited”. What is unlimited tolerance? That can’t be good 😁. If “tolerance” means: “The capacity for, or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others.” (American Heritage Dictionary) Then “Intolerance”, would then be the opposite of that - I say hmmm. Again, can’t be good. “In the United States, there is no such a thing as toleration, all men have an equal right ⋯” (Bouvier’s Law Dictionary)

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

As usual no specifics of who's being tolerate and who's not being tolerate. Sorry, but no relevant message here.

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